What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a natural method of health care that focuses on correcting the causes of physical problems from subluxations or misalignments of the bones in the body, especially the spine. Chiropractic is the kind of health care that is holistic, which improves people’s lives by optimizing the functioning of the nervous system, so the body is able to function better.
Every cell in the body is controlled by the nervous system, including taste, touch, smell, hormones flowing, heart beating, food digesting, everything! Chiropractic does not just treat symptoms or problems but allows for a healthy nervous system, so the body functions better.
How Does Chiropractic Work?
A healthy nervous system has the ability to resist disease and ill health. Chiropractic restores the body’s ability to have a healthy nervous system, thereby increasing the body’s immunity and resistance to illnesses.
Chiropractors are able to determine and remove blocks to the nervous system. They locate subluxations or misaligned vertebrae and adjust them to remove any interferences that might be impairing the nervous system. Improving the functions of the spine will improve the nervous system. With a healthy nervous system, the body will be able to heal itself and operate maximally.
What Type of Education Do Chiropractic Doctors Receive?
Doctors of Chiropractic attend rigorous schooling. Pre-chiropractic and pre-medical students have the same requirements as undergraduate students, but chiropractic students move on to chiropractic colleges to further specialize in diagnosis, chiropractic knowledge, and chiropractic adjustment skills. Medical students concentrate on diagnosis, drug prescription, and surgery. They do not correct vertebral subluxations and are not taught what they are nor how they can damage the body’s health.
Before being allowed to practice, a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) must pass National Board Examinations, and then must pass governmental or professional licensing boards. Chiropractors must continue their education regularly for license renewal and to remain current on the latest research, therapies, and adjustment techniques.
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What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the precise movement of a joint to restore spinal and nervous system health. Chiropractors adjust with their hands, body, or using special instruments. Adjustments are made using a precise amount of force in a specific direction. Chiropractic adjustments are safe and improves the nervous system and overall health.
What Causes the Popping Sound During an Adjustment?
Snap, crackle, pop?! Though many people hear a sound during the adjustment, the sound is not necessarily an indication that an adjustment has taken place. Some adjustments do not have a sound.
When there is a sound, it is the result of gas moving into a space when the joints being moved become separated during the adjustment. It is painless and harmless.
Is Chiropractic Safe?
Yes, chiropractic is known to be very safe for people of all ages including newborns and the elderly. Chiropractic care is natural, non-surgical and drug-free. Chiropractic has a very high safety record, especially when compared to other medical fields.
Is Chiropractic Safe for Children? Should Children get Adjusted?
Chiropractic care is safe and healthy for newborns and children of all ages. Newborn babies can benefit from chiropractic care and craniosacral therapy due to the significant spinal trauma they experience at birth. Chiropractic care has been known to help babies and children with ear infections, trouble sleeping, colic (pain in the stomach due to gas or an obstruction in the intestines), and many other conditions.
Many of these health conditions are usually treated with drugs but can be treated naturally and effectively with chiropractic care. Many of the health problems occurring later in life could have been prevented if treatment was available for children. A healthy nervous system will increase immunity for children and result in a healthier adult. Many parents find that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and are healthier than their peers.
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I am Pregnant. Is it Safe to Get Adjusted?
Yes, it is important to have a healthy nervous system when pregnant, and chiropractic adjustments have been known to improve the pregnancy and make delivery easier for the mom and baby. All chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women, however, some chiropractors specialize in prenatal and postnatal care, receiving additional training.
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Are All Patients Adjusted In the Same Way?
No, each patient is adjusted according to their specific conditions. The chiropractor diagnoses a patient’s individual spinal subluxations and provides a distinct care plan for the patient.
Can Chiropractors Write Prescriptions for Medications?
No, a Doctor of Chiropractic cannot write prescriptions for prescription medications, unless s/he holds an additional degree in Medicine or Osteopathy. Chiropractors will work together with other health care providers such as Doctors of Medicine and Osteopathy, Radiologists, etc. to provide the patient with the best quality healthcare.
Chiropractors have expertise in additional areas and may suggest therapies in addition to adjustments, such as heat, cold, massage, nutrition, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. They usually counsel patients on lifestyle changes to promote wellness and prevent illness and disease.
I’m a biologist and health writer. I’m able to draw on my technical, science, business and journalism backgrounds when researching and creating content. I’ve managed a chiropractic office where I handled; HR, inventory control, and counseling, in addition to doing the patient education. I’m an experienced public speaker and I’ve helped built large communities of people interested in health and plant-based diets. My laboratory work includes genetic analysis and I also do the grant writing and administration, online fundraising and social media. In the past I was the team manager for invasive species field operations. I’m also a regular volunteer for international coastal cleanup.
